Hassan, June 14 -- A joyous weekend trip turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after three young men from Bengaluru drowned in the backwaters of the Hemavathi reservoir near the famous Shettihalli Church in Hassan district on Sunday, June 14.

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Gorur Police Station and has left the victims' families and friends devastated. The deceased have been identified as Charan, 20, Milan, 23, and Manikantha, 20, all of whom are residents of Bengaluru.

According to the police, a group of 10 friends had travelled to Dharmasthala on a pilgrimage. After offering prayers, they were returning to Bengaluru when they decided to stop at the historic Shettihalli Rosary Church, a popular tourist attraction located ...